Riverside Market’s new mural is also the largest and most complex ever delivered in Christchurch.

Paying homage to what was lost in the earthquakes, the lifelike optical illusion artwork displays interpretations of pre-quake buildings, local businesses and the story of women’s suffrage. The wall is brought to life with references to central city heritage, remembering defining moments and telling a story of Kate Sheppard and the broader women's suffrage movement, which started in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Completed as a public-private partnership, the mural was co-funded by Riverside Market and ChristchurchNZ. The concept and design for the artwork was created by Josh Thompson of Madeknown with the project produced by George Shaw of Oi YOU! and painted over a 6 week period by Christchurch’s foremost graffiti art collective DTR Crew - Dcypher, Ikarus, Jacob Yikes & Wongi Wilson.

The location of the wall allows the artwork to link to the hustle and bustle of what's behind, backing directly off the newly minted Riverside Market, overlooking the Central Park carpark. Taking advantage of the two peaks of the flat facade, the perspective of the buildings in the artwork tricks your brain into believing it is three-dimensional – an illusion of depth that mesmerises visitors.

Artwork design: Josh Thompson. Painting: DTR Crew. Producer: George Shaw.
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